A group of apprentices and undergraduate electrical engineering students have completed the University of North Florida’s (UNF) first workforce development program designed to address the growing need for skilled professionals in the clean and renewable energy sector.
The initiative, called the Educational Microgrid for Enhancing Renewable Growth and Education (EMERGE), is a collaboration between UNF, JEA—the city’s public utility—and Miller Electric Company. Over eight weeks, participants spent one day each week at the JEA Sustainable Solutions Lab on UNF’s campus to prepare for careers in clean and renewable energy.
“At UNF, we believe workforce development is not just a strategic priority, but imperative to the evolving needs of our region,” said Moez Limayem, president of UNF. “We empower and prepare our students for high-quality and fulfilling careers that match the demands of today’s workforce.”
The program received nearly $445,000 in funding from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Dr. James Fletcher, associate professor in UNF’s College of Computing, Engineering and Construction and director of its Clean and Renewable Energy Lab, explained that EMERGE focuses on preparing students—especially electricians—for roles in this sector. “This training helps equip the next generation of energy leaders with hands-on experience in microgrid systems and renewable technologies,” Fletcher said. “By the end of the program, we’ve not only given the students a sense of empowerment to reduce carbon footprints, but we’ve enhanced their careers and created new jobs.”
The first cohort concluded at the end of July with six participants: three UNF undergraduate electrical engineering students and three early-career apprentices from Miller Electric and JEA. The two-year training program offers professional growth opportunities as well as internships for early-career electricians and high school students. The next cohort will begin in Summer 2026 with ten early career apprentices and six high school students interested in entering this expanding field.
Dr. Ankush, one of two postdoctoral associates leading EMERGE, highlighted how practical learning is central to its curriculum: “The EMERGE curriculum blends theory and practice,” he said. “Students learn first-hand state-of-the-art technologies in the energy sector and how to integrate them together to make microgrid more resilient.”
“EMERGE is not just about job training, we’re building a workforce ready to lead the transition to a sustainable future,” added Dr. Sumit Raj, another postdoctoral associate involved with EMERGE.
A key component was weekly guest lectures by industry professionals who shared real-world experiences with participants. Kevin Pate—a Miller Electric assistant project manager who took part—said these sessions sharpened his technical skills: “I work with estimating and design builds with customers, and because of this program I learned to think and plan ahead to anticipate needs in advance… The combination of lecturing and hands-on training helped me retain information better.” He also noted exposure to innovative techniques improved his efficiency on projects.
Katie West—a junior majoring in electrical engineering at UNF—found particular value in hearing directly from industry experts: “Hearing from industry experts and then taking what they said and applying it in the lab was very helpful in understanding the material,” she said.
JEA managing director & CEO Vickie Cavey emphasized that developing talent through programs like EMERGE supports JEA’s ability to adapt alongside new technologies: “EMERGE is an important step in preparing future talent for real-world demands… The curriculum has been shaped with direct alignment to JEA’s & Miller Electric’s operational demands…”
Henry Brown—CEO at Miller Electric Company—noted that participation helps keep his company competitive: “The EMERGE curriculum helps Miller Electric keep its competitiveness amongst its peers… Our customers are consistently looking for new & better energy & technology solutions…”
Graduates demonstrated advanced knowledge along with leadership capabilities as they completed this initial round.
Funding support came from an award by Gulf Research Program under SCON-10001360; content responsibility rests solely with authors rather than official views from supporting organizations.
